This is the seventh post in my Highlights series. Today we begin our exploration of New South Wales, from Boonah in Queensland, through the Border Ranges National Park on the Lions Road, passing through Kyogle, Casino, Coffs Harbour and staying our first night at Sawtell. Then on the next day heading to the city ofContinue reading “Highlights of My Australian Journey 2022:A Travel Diary #7 An Odyssey through New South Wales – Boonah to Newcastle”
Author Archives: SC Skillman
Book Review: ‘The Continued Times of Isabella M. Smugge’ by Ruth Leigh
I’m delighted to be bringing you my review of this third Isabella book, as I’ve read and loved the previous two by Ruth Leigh: The Diary of Isabella M Smugge (book 1) and The Trials of Isabella M Smugge (book 2). Author Ruth Leigh The Continued Times of Isabella M Smugge was published by InstantContinue reading “Book Review: ‘The Continued Times of Isabella M. Smugge’ by Ruth Leigh”
Highlights of My Australian Journey 2022: A Travel Diary #6 Mangrove Swamps
This is the sixth part of my Highlights. I love mangrove swamps: and enjoyed exploring those on the Boardwalk at Nudgee Beach on the shoreline of Moreton Bay, and also the swamps along the riverside walk at the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens. Mangroves play a vital ecological role: they help to stabilize shorelines and reduceContinue reading “Highlights of My Australian Journey 2022: A Travel Diary #6 Mangrove Swamps”
Highlights of My Australian Journey 2022: A Travel Diary #5 Australia Zoo
This is the fifth post in my Highlights. Today, we travel to Australia Zoo: always such a joy to explore and to enjoy the lush landscaping and the vast variety of animals, both from Australia and around the world, including those who are endangered and who are at the forefront of conservation efforts. Located inContinue reading “Highlights of My Australian Journey 2022: A Travel Diary #5 Australia Zoo”
Book Review: ‘Do What You Love – Fragility of Your Flame’ by MJ Mallon
Today I am delighted to be sharing with you my review of an advance copy of a new collection of poems, photography and flash fiction by fellow author MJ Mallon. The book is due out on Kindle on 25th November 2022, and the paperback will follow in due course. I’ve read this author’s work before:Continue reading “Book Review: ‘Do What You Love – Fragility of Your Flame’ by MJ Mallon”
Highlights of My Australian Journey 2022: A Travel Diary #4 Roma Street Parklands, Brisbane
Here is the fourth post of my Highlights. Today, Roma Street Parklands, Brisbane. Reclaimed from a railway goods yard (and using land which was, of course, prior to that, used for thousands of years by the local indigenous peoples for ceremonies and meetings), these exquisite parklands are a joy to wander through and to restContinue reading “Highlights of My Australian Journey 2022: A Travel Diary #4 Roma Street Parklands, Brisbane”
Highlights of My Australian Journey 2022: A Travel Diary #3 The City of Brisbane, South Bank
Here is the third post of my Highlights; today, the south bank of the Brisbane river, with its Art Galleries, Performing Arts Centre and State Library, along with the headquarters of the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation, where my daughter Abigail works on the news programme), the Big Wheel, and the inspired South Bank Parklands, formerlyContinue reading “Highlights of My Australian Journey 2022: A Travel Diary #3 The City of Brisbane, South Bank”
Highlights of My Australian Journey 2022: A Travel Diary #1: Arrival
Now I’m back in the UK after my two month trip to Australia to see my daughter Abigail I’d like to share with you the highlights of my amazing journey through some of the most awe-inspiring and sublime scenery in New South Wales and Queensland, along with birds, animals, flowers, art galleries, cafes…. and aContinue reading “Highlights of My Australian Journey 2022: A Travel Diary #1: Arrival”
Highlights of My Australian Journey 2022: A Travel Diary #2 Mt Nebo, Mt Glorious, the Great Dividing Range, and Somerset Dam
Here is the second post of my Highlights: and today, one of my favourite areas, the mountain backdrop behind Brisbane, which is of course part of the Great Dividing Range. First of all, Mt Coot-tha and its Lookout, a hugely popular destination for tourists which also has a lovely restaurant/cafe where visitors may enjoy theContinue reading “Highlights of My Australian Journey 2022: A Travel Diary #2 Mt Nebo, Mt Glorious, the Great Dividing Range, and Somerset Dam”
My Australian Journey 2022 #12: Australian Birds and Animals
As I look through all the photos I’ve taken during my 2 months in Australia, it’s fun to look for themes, rather than posting images of places visited, in chronological order. My first overarching theme is ‘Birds and Animals’. Not so many bird photos I’m afraid as I rarely managed to capture them on cameraContinue reading “My Australian Journey 2022 #12: Australian Birds and Animals”